Trip Reports | Australian Capital Territory

Canberra Balloon Festival 2023

Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra

10-12 March 2023

By SIMON WILKES

This year, twenty Club members descended on the national’s capital, for the annual Canberra Balloon Festival 2023.

It was a fun-filled weekend with a bit of everything—Saturday saw both calm and windy conditions on the water, followed by some tasty brews and a good feed at the Enlighten Festival Gardens. To top it off, an inspiring light show and some live music from local LGBTQIA+ artists, continuing the Pride celebrations that had been held in Sydney.

Sunday was an early start to see the hot air balloons. Kayaking on Lake Burley Griffin during the Canberra Balloon Festival is always an inspiring experience, with the majestic balloons soaring overhead and then touching down on the surface of the lake. Many of us hitched a ride, forming a fun kayak conga line dragging behind.